Electric Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz Sets Pricing for B-Class Electric Drive

The Mercedes-Benz 2014 model-year B-Class Electric Drive will start at $42,375 when it arrives this summer as the automaker's first battery-electric vehicle offered in the U.S. market.

The B-Class Electric Drive's starting price includes a $925 destination and delivery charge. Customers may be eligible for federal tax credits that run up to $7,500.

The B-Class front-wheel-drive is a version of the non-electric B-Class hatchback that's the top fleet car in Europe. The B-Class Electric Drive is powered by a Tesla Motors-developed electric motor and 28-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

The motor produces 177 horsepower (132 kilowatts) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a governed top speed of 100 mph. The B-Class provides a range of 85 miles and requires charging of less than two hours at 240 volts to provide a range of 60 miles.

Other standard equipment includes a Becker Map Pilot navigation system and safety systems such as collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist and attention assist.

The luxury subcompact car will be available at U.S. dealers in 10 states in mid-July. The vehicle will initially be offered in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Electric Vehicles

Automakers are increasingly debuting new vehicles and technology at CES, and this year will be no different, especially for Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker will show its new CLA sedan, EQC battery-electric SUV, and Vision Urbanetic cargo van concept at the show, which from from Jan. 8-11.

Infiniti will show an electrified concept crossover at the Detroit auto show in January, as it celebrates 30 years of producing vehicles and moves toward producing battery-electric crossovers and sedans.

Electrify America will invest another $200 million toward the development of zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education, which is the second investment from the company that was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).